Glee Club Birmingham Accessibility Review

Image Description: Emma's view from just in front of the stage at Glee Club in Birmingham. The stage contains a variety of musical equipment and there is a white sign on the back wall that reads 'glee'. The lighting gives the stage a pinkish hue.

Back with another accessibility reviews! This time for Glee Club in Birmingham 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)  

Ticket Buying 

I booked my ticket directly with the venue via the phone so that I could discuss my accessibility needs with them. You can also book accessible tickets via email (for example, by buying a standard ticket online and then emailing the venue with your access needs. A free PA/carer/companion ticket is also available at this venue if you need one. 

Travel 

As this was a Birmingham show, travel was very minimal. It was just a 20-minute walk from my house to the venue. 

Experience & Seating 

There was a door to the venue directly next to the Wetherspoons I had a pre gig drink in so I thought I was in luck and wouldn’t have far to go. But a sign on that door said it was only for deliveries and had a map directing you to another entrance. So, I headed round to a door on the side. That door itself had a sign that said to head to a door further round. So, I did and was met by someone who told me to go BACK round to the side door where someone would show me inside. Someone did come out and show me inside, back around through the same ‘deliveries’ door I was JUST at. 

I feel the system would be much better if that ‘deliveries’ door sign included a number for attendees to call if they need to use that entrance for accessibility reasons. 

Once I was in the building, it was a (small) lift up and then I was shown into the venue room. It was mentioned that there was an accessible toilet, but I never used it so can make no comment on those facilities. However, a fellow attendee (also a wheelchair user) described the accessible toilet as workable but on the smaller side. 

I was originally taken to a spot near the stage but against a wall. But once some friends arrived, I just ended up right by the stage, away from the wall, anyway. 

I have also been told that when there is a seated show, such as a comedy gig, at this venue the seating can be quite packed in. This can make getting to the bar or toilet quite tricky, so maybe factor that in if you’re attending a seated show here. 

Overall, I think the access at this venue is quite good. I think the major issue is making it easier to know which is the accessible entrance and to make it easier for disabled attendees to contact staff so they can enter the venue. However, I think there is quite a simple solution to that problem, as I mentioned above. 

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels) 

Cage Warriors 111 (Train Travel from Birmingham New Street to London Euston as a Wheelchair User, and Indigo At The O2 Wheelchair Accessibility Review)

An absolutely mammoth train travel/access review post for you today. Birmingham New Street to London Euston and back with West Midlands Trains and Virgin Trains (which now no longer exists) and an access review of Indigo At The O2 for Cage Warriors 111.

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)

Train & Tube Outbound

Tickets

Tickets were booked through Trainline as usual and I booked the train assistance through Cross Country Trains. I did it this way, despite Cross Country not being one of the companies I travelled with, because both West Midlands Trains and Virgin trains insisted on having my wheelchair dimensions before booking the ramp and this was not something I’d ever previously been asked for before on any journey with any train company so it wasn’t information I was willing to suddenly have to give.

Birmingham New Street to Euston to Uxbridge

I arrived at the New Street assistance reception 20 minutes before the train and was taken to the platform and put on the train with a ramp by assistance. There are no wheelchair space reservations allowed on West Midlands Trains (operator for this leg of the journey) but luckily there was a free wheelchair space for me to occupy. The catch was that it was next to the toilet, which is interesting when the toilet door slams every 10 minutes and you have a ridiculous startle reflex like mine. When it came time to get off the train, I had a short wait for assistance before the ramp turned up, then it was time to head for the Tube. Specifically, I headed for Euston Square. I made my way through a gate line and to the platform to find there were no staff anywhere to call ahead to Uxbridge and confirm I could disembark. The only staff member I could see was stood at a gate line which was up some stairs, which meant I had to sit at the bottom of said stairs and shout for assistance (it’s a good job I’ve learned to yell loudly over the years). However, the staff member did inform that the wheelchair access at Euston Square was only in one direction so in order to make the return journey for my train home I’d have to go on to Kings Cross on the Metropolitan line and then come back on myself, oh if only the return journey was that simple!

Indigo At The O2 Access Review

Tickets

Initially, I phoned Indigo At The O2 for a wheelchair space ticket and carer ticket for Cage Warriors 111 and was told there were none left, with no mention of possible single wheelchair space tickets being available. Of course, as is standard in 2020, I headed to Twitter to express my disappointment at not being able to secure a ticket. I was particularly disappointed as there was a specific fighter (shout out Paddy Pimblett) who I was desperate to see fight live (and still am). That tweet kind of exploded and gained reaction in a way I never expected with many people trying to help me out (shout out, Paddy, Molly McCann and MMA Twitter for helping me secure an answer and a ticket from the venue). Through this reaction, I was put in touch with the venue who were able to tell me there was a single wheelchair space (no carer) ticket left for what I believe was the venue’s only access platform. Forget Cinderella shall go to the ball, Em shall go to the fights!

Travel

Travel was pretty similar to all my other trips to the O2 complex. I took the Metropolitan line from Uxbridge to Wembley Park with no ramp used, although they do have ramps. I could have used Finchley Road but they refused as it would be “easier” to use Wembley Park (easier on them I assume). I then went from Wembley Park to North Greenwich on the Jubilee line and was met off the tube and guided out of North Greenwich station. On the way back into the station post event, I was bumped and barged repeatedly whilst queuing to enter the station and on my way through the station. I then HAD to get on the busiest tube out of North Greenwich to make sure I didn’t miss the last Metropolitan line train out of Wembley Park towards Uxbridge. This meant I had to sit in the middle of the train not in the designated wheelchair space (because people were stood there). THAT meant I had to just lock my arm straight to hold onto the central pole and steady my chair in case it slid around. My arm was also repeatedly leant on to the point I thought my joints might dislocate. Thankfully I made the last Metropolitan line from Wembley to Uxbridge and then had a short wait for the ramp at Uxbridge.

Experience & Seating

On arrival at the venue, I went through a ticket check and was then led to my seat on the platform. In terms of view, I had probably one of the best views of fighter walkout that I’ve ever had, with fighter walkout being immediately to my left, I was, however, a little further back than I have been for other shows in terms of view into the cage. There was also only the one small platform which meant it was quite packed and full. I did hear an assistance staff member say the platform was “not meant for so many big wheelchairs” which baffled me completely because wheelchair dimensions had never been mentioned when I bought my ticket and, let’s face it, if access is only accessible for those with certain sizes or types of mobility aids, it’s not REALLY access. The good thing about this platform was it was right next to an accessible toilet which meant toilet trips didn’t involve trekking across the venue.

*July 2022 Update: This recent visit in July 2022 was a significantly less accessible experience in terms of the view. This was because the big screen next to the accessible platform was COVERED BY A CURTAIN (screen still actually showing the fights, we just couldn’t see because curtain). See below for what I mean. This meant that I had no view of a portion of the fights as the platform wasn’t positioned for a clear view of the whole cage and the big screen (which I would have used when I couldn’t see a section of the cage) was covered by this curtain. Whilst this was an annoyance for me, I was particularly thinking of those attendees who might be low vision (like my friend Alex) or short sighted and so have trouble seeing the cage from this distance. Having the screen NOT covered by this curtain would have meant they could use the view from the screen to better understand what was going on in the cage, leading to a more accessible and more overly enjoyable experience.

Photo Credit: Alex Ramzan. Image Description: View from the accessibility platform. A curtain covering a large portion of the big screen which is to the left of the access platform.

March 2024 Update: On my recent visit back to the Indigo for Cage Warriors 169, staff informed me that the ramp to the access platform had changed and was now wider and a little bit steeper. The actual platform itself hasn’t gotten any wider though as it was still as overpacked and tight as it usually is. Maybe the wider ramp was requested, but I personally didn’t see any improvement or difference. The one positive improvement was that the barrier in front of the platform is now solid panels (instead of the bars you can see in the above photo). This meant those stood on the floor below the platform couldn’t sneak their arms through and use the platform to store their drinks on, which is something that always bothered me somewhat.

Tube, Bus & Train Return

For the beginning of my return journey back to Birmingham, there were maintenance works on Metropolitan line between Wembley Park and Aldgate. That meant that my journey back to Euston was as follows: Metropolitan line from Uxbridge to Wembley Park, then the Jubilee line from there to Bond Street, THEN the Central from there to Tottenham Court Road and finally a bus to Euston station. I made myself known at the Euston assistance desk and was then told to make my own way to the platform. I waited there and was then met by assistance staff who used a ramp to put me on the train. As per my usual gripes with Virgin Trains, there was a tight corridor and door to navigate to make it to my seat, but there was more space in the wheelchair space than I expected given how insistent they were about knowing my wheelchair dimensions prior to my attempted assistance booking. Once I arrived back at New Street, I was taken off the train pretty immediately and was able to wheel away out of the station and back to university accommodation.

I hope this shows my adventures as a wheelchair user for a weekend in the capital for the fights. Thanks as always to Cage Warriors for putting on a brilliant show and I can’t wait to be back in March for CW113

Stay Invincible!

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels)

XOYO Birmingham Accessibility Review

Image Description: Emma's view from XOYO Birmingham. Behind a barrier to the left hand side of stage. Beyond the barrier, various pieces of equipment are visible on stage and are bathed in red light

Back with another accessibility review. This time for XOYO in Birmingham (or The Mill Digbeth as it used to be known). I have attended this venue once under each name, for Dermot Kennedy in November 2022 when it was The Mill and then in November 2023 for The Lottery Winners. Most of this information technically comes from the 2022 gig but the accessibility hasn’t really changed with the year between shows and the venue name change. 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)  

Ticket Buying 

In both instances at this venue, it was a case of buying a standard ticket and then emailing the venue to request a wheelchair space and carer ticket. Back when it was The Mill this was slightly easier as that website actually had an email for access enquiries and requests (even if it took them months to actually respond and confirm accessible seating). However, AFTER I got my Lottery Winners tickets, the venue became XOYO Birmingham. With the new name came a website rebrand which removed any reference to accessibility or an email for accessibility enquiries. Yes, I’m just as confused as you as to why venues are REMOVING access info in the year 2024. 

Therefore, the website meant that confirming my access seating for The Lottery Winners essentially became a game of collecting various email addresses to see if any of the addresses still worked and got us a response. I also turned to social media to see if I could confirm my access seating that way. Even just confirming the access seating was a trial. Say it with me: VENUES, PUT YOUR ACCESS INFORMATION ON YOUR WEBSITE. 

Update: I have heard from the venue (and verified for myself) that they have listened to comments and since added a specific email for access to the contact section of their website, Hurrah for venues that listen to their disabled patrons and actually improve their accessibility experience.

Travel 

The travel is always the simplest part of going to this venue as it’s just a 25 minute or so walk through Birmingham and into Digbeth for me. 

Experience & Seating 

Wheelchair access into the venue is round the side from the main entrance, but it’s still a bit of a walk between the two entrances. It’s then up a little ramp and through the back of the venue before you come out into the main area. It is a flat floor venue but there is a specific access seating section with barriers around it where I was directed to sit. I also don’t know how well signposted the area was as an access section because, specifically at the Dermot Kennedy show in 2022, I did overhear someone in standing ask if they could ‘upgrade and sit there’ (meaning our section), so I think they may have confused the access section for a VIP section. 

Overall, the access in the venue itself at XOYO Birmingham (formerly The Mill Digbeth) was quite good. But, and I hope I only have to say this once in 2024: Venues, for the sake of my sanity if nothing else: PUT. YOUR. ACCESSIBLITY. INFORMATION. ON. YOUR. WEBSITE. I refuse to beg and plead for basic access information. 

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels) 

Wheelchair Accessibility in UK and Ireland Venues: Ranked From Best to Worst

Travelling the length and breadth of this fine island for concerts and MMA shows, I’ve been to a variety of venues with varied accessibility. With that in mind,  here is a comprehensive list of the highs and the lows of my experiences with venue accessibility.

So here it is, every venue I’ve reviewed on this blog ranked with a quick word as to why it was ranked that way. I do intend for this to be an evolving document with rankings changing as venue access changes and I visit new venues.

Castle and Falcon, Birmingham

Of course we had to have a new number 1 after this review went live. I just…so simply brilliant. Bought a ticket, got in (via step free entrance), watched the gig, went to the bar and managed to use the accessible bathroom. All without having to ask a single question or worry about a single thing. A refreshing venue experience and just the way gigs should be.

Devil’s Dog Digbeth (Birmingham)

A new silver medal spot with this latest review. Flat entrance, good beers and an accessible toilet. What more could a girl want? The only issue with this is the location. I know it’s not the venue’s choice but I would love it entirely if this venue was exactly as it is now but not in Digbeth. Any wheelchair user will tell you that Digbeth is blocked kerb and pavement parking hell. Having such a struggle to get to the venue takes the shine off the experience a bit, hence why I can’t give Devil’s Dog the top spot.

The Clapham Grand, London

The number three spot on this list now goes to The Clapham Grand. With a fairly seamless ticket buying process, an easily accessed accessible toilet and what felt like VIP treatment (including a literal table with my name on it), this was a rather wonderful venue experience. My own improvement would be if the foldable manual ramp used for step free entry into the venue could become a permanent ramp. That is the only reason this venue isn’t further up the rankings.

Trinity Centre, Bristol 

I really loved this venue and think it’s a great example of how a listed building CAN be accessible. I think the only improvement I would make would be see if there is any way to add a platform or raised section to the accessible seating area. This is because I’m always wary of how my view might by blocked by people standing if I’m on the same level as the main floor.

3Arena, Dublin

A fairly seamless access ticketing process, good seats and good accessible bathrooms. This is pretty much everything you can expect from an arena show experience. I felt like I, in what is a rare occasion, had the same show experience as everyone else. The only reason it doesn’t get a medal is because there was nothing that wowed me specifically, just a feeling of  ‘oh, so this is how an arena show should be’.

Utilita Arena Cardiff

Again, a fairly seamless access ticketing process, good seats and good accessible bathrooms. This is pretty much everything you can expect from an arena show experience. But again there was nothing that wowed me specifically, just a feeling of  ‘oh, so this is how an arena show should be’.

Bristol Bierkeller

Next on the list is Bristol Bierkeller. This may seem like a bit of an odd one since the Bierkeller could not be classified as  “accessible”, but the venue team were aware of that and did everything they could to make sure I could attend , which yes included carrying me up a set of stairs in a manual wheelchair. I’d rather that kind of  attitude to accessibility than being turned away completely (obviously full wheelchair accessibility is the best option, but I know that can’t be instantly achieved at some venues). I was sad to hear that the Bierkeller had  closed and it will always have a piece of my heart for making sure I could attend a gig I didn’t think was possible.

Rescue Rooms Nottingham

This places highly as it is the venue where I had one of my favourite experiences of 2023, sitting at the barrier with my best friend for a show for the first time EVER. But there is still some work to be done around less obvious accessibility things like making sure the disabled toilet door locks and unlocks before opening the doors for a show.

Flat Iron Square, London

I was pleasantly surprised by the accessibility here, particularly as it’s a somewhat unconventional show venue.  I think my only issue here was the significant slope into the venue which might be difficult to manage for some people. I also think the ‘having to queue but NEEDING a spot at front to see might make things tricky. I was able to chat to security and ASK for a spot at the front, but I know advocating for your needs is difficult as a disabled person.

Viola Arena

Next up is The Viola Arena in Cardiff. The winning element here is the fact that the  wheelchair spaces are amongst the standard seating rather than on some specific accessible platform . This meant I felt more a part of the atmosphere which is definitely one of the best parts of attending Cage Warriors shows like the ones I’ve attended here.

Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle

My main issue with this venue was  arriving to find the seats we had booked as accessible seating weren’t actually there. I appreciate that the situation was quickly solved and we still had a good view, but I am curious to know what the original accessible seating that we booked would have been like.

Glee Club Birmingham

I found this venue to be generally quite accessible. My main issue was around contacting staff and being able to find the accessible entrance. I was led round the houses a little bit here, told to go to one door, then another, before being led BACK to the first door I originally tried.

XOYO Birmingham

I’ll be honest, this one WAS going to place a lot lower given the issues I had with contacting the venue about access seating. However, I now know they have improved that and added an accessibility contact email to the website, so they place higher in my estimation on account of the improvements made.

O2 Institute2, Birmingham

Other than a small issue getting in (which could have been partly my driving as well as an access issue) and a minor argument with security about a metal barrier, I would rate this venue highly for accessibility and would feel very comfortable going back.

KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton

I generally have a lot of good things to say about the accessibility of this venue. My main concern was the steepness of the ramp up to the access platform. I don’t think I would have felt safe coming down that ramp  without assistance. This is a little disappointing as I often attend shows solo but would think twice about doing so at this venue with the ramp up to the access platform being that steep.

SWX, Bristol

This venue was generally good. My main concern is the slightly dodgy lift, which I thought at one point wasn’t working. I’m concerned that at some point it WILL just stop working and leave wheelchair users like myself, and other disabled people, unable to attend shows at the venue.

Lyric Hammersmith

Next up is Lyric Theatre Hammersmith. Even though our seats were pretty far back here, the staff assistance was great and really made me feel welcome. I had heard that the theatre had undergone refurbishment since my visit so I would be interested to see how the refurbishment changed accessibility or not.

The Fleece, Bristol

This one ranks pretty highly to be honest. Flat access, a fairly seamless ticket buying process and an accessible toilet within the venue space (albeit at the back of the venue). The stage is significantly higher than the floor though which can make the view hit and miss as a wheelchair user wherever you’re sat.

Koko Camden

I won’t lie, when I researched this venue, I was slightly nervous about what their access would involve as I knew it was an older  (possibly listed?) building. However, this was possibly the simplest access in terms of knowing how access was going to work and not having to jump through too many hoops. It showed me that access to older buildings is possible and that “it’s an old building” isn’t a get out of jail free card for not providing access. This is another venue that’s been refurbished since I did this review so it would be interesting to know how access may have changed with the refurb.

Symphony Hall Birmingham

I felt this was a quite accessible venue, one where I was able to comfortably attend solo and not feel like I was going to struggle getting around. There was the issue with the restricted view, but this was explained to me BEFORE I bought my ticket for the gig so I was able to make an informed decision that I was ok with a possible restricted view.

The Wulfrun at The Halls, Wolverhampton

I quite liked this venue and was pleased I could buy access seating online. It places above its fellow venue (The Civic at The Halls) as the positioning of the accessible seating area means that there is no chance of the view being blocked by people standing in front. The one concern I have with this venue is the little platform lift to get up to the venue level. It didn’t seem to be working initially in my visit so I am concerned if it DOES break down at some point.

The Civic at The Halls, Wolverhampton

I generally like this venue, and was particularly pleased I can buy access seating online. The main issue is the positioning of that access seating as people standing up means I can’t see any of the stage. So a view of the stage from the accessible seating relies on people sitting down, which obviously isn’t ideal (or to be relied upon, as people are likely to stand).

HMV Empire, Coventry

This one’s difficult, because I really appreciated the accessibility of the venue once I was inside, with the flat floor. However, GETTING inside was the issue. That initial platform lift was very slow and old looking, which makes me nervous it will break and potentially render the venue inaccessible.

York Hall, London (Bethnal Green)

My main issue was the dodgy looking stairlift that looked old and ready to break at any given moment. I worry what will happen when that stairlift does give out, and what they will have in place for access as and when it does. I suspect the answer is “there is no plan UNTIL the inevitable happens”. But I really believe all venues should have a plan for when their access fails, if it involves lifts/stairlifts particularly, because the mechanical elements WILL fail eventually.

BEC Arena, Manchester

Whilst there were no major accessibility issues in regards to booking tickets or my seats, The one area where this venue falls down is safe travel to and from events. As a wheelchair user, taxis often refuse to pick me up, and have refused multiple times from this venue. That combined with limited late night public transport means I am often faced with a 45 minute walk back to even the nearest hotels, not the safest option as a solo, female, disabled traveller.

Charter Hall Colchester

Whilst I found this venue to be quite accessible when I got in. Getting in was quite an issue as neither the ticket sellers (Eventim) or the venue initially seemed to know who was in charge of accessible ticket sales. Furthermore, it seemed that ticket sales had started BEFORE accessible tickets were actually sorted and available, and I firmly believe that tickets shouldn’t be on sale until you’re able to put both standard and access tickets on sale AT THE SAME TIME.

Camden Electric Ballroom

I feel this venue is the perfect example of “accessibility doesn’t just mean getting into the venue”. I was able to physically get into the venue fairly easy. But it was quite an isolating experience in a way. The only way off of the  wheelchair access platform was to exit the venue entirely, with no independent access to merch or the bar. My friends were also told to leave the platform immediately when they came to say hello.

O2 Academy2, Birmingham

I feel like this was another example of “accessibility doesn’t just mean getting into the venue”. I was able to physically get into the venue fairly easy. But, once I was in the RIGHT ROOM, the access platform was quite tight and there was no real way to get away from that, as the only other way out was to leave the room entirely. We as wheelchair users also had no access to the merch stall and were only able to get merch by effectively yelling our order down to merch staff for the entire venue to hear.

Ipswich Corn Exchange

This venue was pretty good but it falls into the same issue as a lot of venue in this area of the list as an example of  “accessibility doesn’t just mean getting into the venue”. The major downfall here is that the only way to get a decent view of the stage from the accessible section is by sitting on the front row of the section, and obviously there is only a limited number of spots on that front row.

Liverpool O2 Academy

Another example of  “accessibility doesn’t just mean getting into the venue”. It was beyond irritating to be stuck in a taped off box on the floor, where I knew I wasn’t going to get any kind of view, and told not to move. Particularly as someone who attends gigs regularly and knew I would have been just as safe, if not safer, and had a better view at the barrier.

Liverpool O2 Academy 2

The second room at this same venue in Liverpool, but the same issues still persisted. Once again. accessibility doesn’t just mean getting into the venue. This was somehow worse than the main room as I was just effectively abandoned in the middle of the room and told “don’t go too far forward”. This meant there was no specific area for wheelchair users and it was just up to me to find a balance between a good view and keeping myself safe.

The Joiners, Southampton

It genuinely me upsets a little to rank this venue so low, because the actual accessibility of the venue is pretty decent (except the possible lack of accessible toilet). However, all of that accessibility was only known to me because I have a friend who attends the venue and knows what it’s like, because there was no accessibility information. Accessing a gig a disabled person should not hinge on ‘knowing the people who know the right things’. Many venues, Joiners included, need to do better at publicising their accessibility information.

O2 Arena London

This is probably the venue I’ve been to the most, for both concerts and MMA shows. I am sad to say that the accessibility and experience for disabled guests seems to be decreasing, particularly when I compare my concert experience to the experience I had at the second UFC show I attended there.

Indigo At The O2

The reason this venue drops behind its “big brother” venue O2 Arena London is mostly due to the VERY limited amount of wheelchair spaces, just a single cramped platform. Add to this the distance from the cage (it was an MMA show I was watching) and I sort of felt like this venue wasn’t entirely built for me to be there and I was intruding somewhere I wasn’t expected to be.

Resorts World Arena

Next up is Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. Now, I’ll be honest here, this ranking is probably a little harsh on the arena and it should probably be higher. Having attended both with a friend and solo, there were no issues with the access here but also nothing mind-blowingly brilliant, and it’s difficult to rank it amongst the others when there’s nothing specific to remember (good or bad) about the accessibility.

O2 Academy Birmingham

The reason for this ranking where it does is simply that (other than the hassle regarding the last minute tickets), there wasn’t really too much to report in terms of good or bad accessibility. This means that, like the Resorts World Arena review above, it’s difficult to rank O2 Academy Birmingham at either the “good” or “bad” end of my accessibility scale as there wasn’t much that was memorable about the experience TO rank.

O2 Institute 3 Birmingham

This ranks somewhere between its sister rooms in Birmingham Institute (those being the main room and second room). It doesn’t have the flat door level entrance of the second room, but I didn’t have the same lift debacle as the main room (read my main room review if you want the full story). However, since I still have to use the lift to GET here, I’m aware that another lift debacle IS possible.

Excel London

The thing that struck me about the Excel London is just how busy and difficult to get around it could be despite being such a large venue. The fact that I was attending Comic Con London probably factored into that, but I think my experience at the Excel opened my eyes to the issues with accessibility at conventions in general.

Mama Roux’s

This is another one of those “not terrible but not great” access review situations, other than the accessible toilet being in an adjacent building and the card readers not being detachable. There was nothing particularly terrible about the access here but nothing particularly great either.

Asylum

The main reason this drops below Mama Roux’s is because, despite better access on the ground floor and similar accessible toilet issues to Mama Roux’s, I can’t access an entire floor of Asylum as it’s up a flight of stairs which downgrades the access rating a fair bit. This is another venue that’s been refurbished since I did this review so it would be interesting to know how access may have changed with the refurb, although I know I still can’t access that upstairs level.

M&S Bank Arena

Next up is M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. My main issue here is that the wheelchair space was at the top level of the arena seating  which limited the view. This was specifically annoying as being able to see the action is a major part of seeing a UFC show live, which is the event I was attending.

The Roundhouse

Similarly to the M&S Bank Arena, the problem with the Roundhouse in Camden was that the wheelchair space was higher up at the top level of the venue which  limited the view.

O2 Islington Academy

This one was a bit of a double edged sword. On the one hand, the accessible “platform” section was at the front of the venue next to the stage which of course was fantastic in terms of view and what I could hear. However, on the other hand, having the platform right at the front meant having to fight all the way through to the back of the venue when you wanted to leave. This is quite difficult, as you can imagine, when an entire venue full of people is trying to do the same thing.

Kingston Pryzm

This venue goes here as it improves on my one issue with its predecessor Kingston Hippodrome (see below) with a lift to the accessible viewing area rather than a slightly dodgy ramp.

Kingston Hippodrome

My only issue with this venue was that it was difficult to navigate the ramp up to the access platform. Despite the access issues, I’m sad that this venue has now closed but look forward to checking out and reviewing the new venue for Banquet Records New Slang events (Pryzm Kingston).

Cardiff Castle

My main issue with Cardiff Castle as a gig venue (and why it ranks so low here) is the lack of cover for the access platform. It just seems somewhat ridiculous to me to have an outdoor gig. In Wales. Where it rains A LOT. Tell us NOT to bring umbrellas and have no cover AT ALL. It seems particularly dangerous too when many disabled people are immunocompromised and cannot be out exposed to wet weather for as long as were were. This meant some people at the gig I attended left before the main act even came on because they weren’t physically able to cope in the torrential rain any longer. It’s also quite dangerous given that some disabled people (like me) attended these gigs in ELECTRIC wheelchairs, and we all know electrics and water don’t mix. This issue with the lack of cover was compounded by the fact that stage times for the show were never publicised and the first band started an hour and a half after gates opened, so we were sat exposed to the weather for significantly longer than necessary.

Coventry Building Society Arena

My main issue issue with this venue is that everything seems convoluted. From needing a membership account for accessible tickets, to the overly long walk between our entrance gate and our accessible seating (a walk that didn’t make the seats very accessible at all). There seemed to be an unnecessary extra layer of difficulty at every possible point.

Dingwalls

The problems here started before I’d even entered, and to be fair I’m not sure there’s that much the venue themselves can do about this. What am I talking about? COBBLES, the cobbled path to the accessible entrance was REALLY not fun for my back. Once we were in, the view from the accessible section was poor and we had to move around the section to near the toilets to be able to get a decent view.

Utilita Arena Birmingham

This may seem like a bit of a low ‘mean’ ranking. However,  between the VERY dodgy looking accessible entrance (wheeling through a car park to wait outside an unlit entrance really isn’t fun), the fact there’s was only ONE wheelchair accessible entrance pointed out in an arena size venue, and the fact I had to battle with staff to be able to re enter to exit through that ONE accessible entrance, when it wasn’t well signposted in the first place, makes this ranking fair in my mind.

O2 Institute Birmingham (main room)

The reason this falls so low in the rankings is a combination of 2 things: One being the lift breakdown which stopped wheelchair access to 2 of the 3 rooms within the venue (the main room being one of those rooms). However, I know that lift breakdowns are just part of using mechanical equipment. The more frustrating part of this was the lack of communication. There’s nothing more gut wrenching than watching everyone walk into a gig you have a ticket for but can no longer access. Especially when you booked the access just hours earlier and no one raised an issue.

Hillsborough Park, Sheffield

The reason this falls so low is the lack of basic organisation when it came to accessibility. From not being able to give us a straight answer regarding accessible parking beyond naming the closest parking place, to just NOT having enough chairs on the accessible platform and leaving my FRIEND to make sure everyone had a seat that needed one. To call this a complete shambles for accessibility would be polite.  You might say “It’s a park, it’s not usually a concert venue”. If you’re selecting somewhere as a temporary concert venue, you should guarantee that proper accessibility is in place or can be put in place. If proper accessibility cannot be guaranteed , then that location doesn’t become a venue. END. OF. STORY.

Alexandra Palace

Ahh Alexandra Palace London, those of you who have read my review of this venue will know it’s not a nice review, and that’s all I’ll say. It would have been last in these rankings but for contact and a very lengthy email that was sent discussing the concerns I had raised and informing me about changes that had taken place since my visit.

HMV Oxford Street

HMV Oxford Street is now back OPEN! The accessible platform ticket policy, whereby I bought a ticket first and then rang to see if I could secure the one wheelchair space, was odd and felt slightly unfair. It also meant I missed out on multiple shows and had to throw away perfectly good, already purchased tickets and let them go to waste just because I had nowhere to sit.

I hope this helps put everything I’ve written regarding access reviews into one place!

Stay Invincible!

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels)

Devil’s Dog Birmingham (Digbeth) Venue Accessibility Review

Image Description: The view from the back of Devil's Dog, facing towards the stage. A drumkits and various amps and microphones are illuminated on the stage.

Finally, back with another accessibility review! This time for Devil’s Dog in Birmingham (specifically Digbeth) following the recent Of Virtue show there. 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people. As I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user. I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!) 

Ticket Buying 

The show was free entry so there was no ticket buying process. It was simply a matter of rock up and roll in. 

Travel 

Given that I live in Birmingham, I could just walk to the venue. It WAS about a 40-minute walk, but I met up with a friend halfway along the route to roll the rest of the way to the venue. The main issues with getting there were the terrible pavements and drop kerbs in the Digbeth area and the RAMPANT pavement parking around there. Here’s to having to roll in the road because the pavement is unusable! (Please read the sarcasm DRIPPING from that sentence) 

Experience & Seating 

When we finally managed to navigate Digbeth, being in the venue as a wheelchair user was very simple.  We were able to simply roll in and, since it was a flat floor venue, could just sit wherever we wanted. There were plenty of spots where we could stay out of the mosh pit but still have a good view of the stage. There was an accessible bathroom towards the back of the room. It was a little tight for space in the bathroom so there was some skill in figuring out where to park so that I could transfer and still open and close the door, but I still felt very comfortable using it. The staff were also very helpful, making sure we knew they were available if we needed anything and checking in with us during the show. 

This may seem like a very short review, but I prefer them that way. That means I was able to simply rock up and enjoy a show like everyone else. Thank you, Devil’s Dog! I hope this review encourages everyone to support this brilliant small venue and to continue to support your own small local venues. 

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels) 

Birmingham O2 Institute 3 Accessibility Review

Image Credit: Alexandra Quinn. Image Description: View from just behind the barrier at Birmingham O2 Institute 3. Bob Vylan are on stage and mid performance, Someone's arm is visible reaching over the barrier and towards the stage.

Back with another accessibility review! This time, the O2 institute 3 in Birmingham from when I saw Bob Vylan there in May 2022 (again, forgive the time gap). I’ve already previously reviewed the main room at this venue and the second room, but I felt the actual event experience this time was different enough to warrant a new review. 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!) 

Ticket Buying 

This part was the same as for the main room and the second room. I simply bought a standard ticket and then emailed the venue requesting a wheelchair space and companion ticket. 

Travel 

Again, travel was the same as it is for the main room and second room since they’re all in one building. It was just a quick 30-minute stroll through town. 

Experience & Seating 

Once I arrived at the venue, I made myself known to staff who showed me up to the venue room in the lift. A lift that was thankfully working this time (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out my review of the venue main room). When I saw the venue, I immediately realised it was a flat floor so I headed for a spot just behind the barrier as I knew it was going to be a lively crowd so reasoned that the actual barrier wouldn’t be the safest spot for me. As expected, the crowd was very lively. So lively in fact that my chair was almost tipped over by someone who decided to use it as leverage to launch themselves back into the mosh pit. 

February, 2024 update: Back on the 16th February 2024, I was MEANT to see The Luka State supported by Carsick. Unfortunately, hours before the gig, I received an email to say that the lift was out of action and that if you required the lift you wouldn’t be able to attend the show and would need to request a refund. The promoter did offer tickets to an alternative show but I couldn’t make that show as it was a weekday and I work.

Obviously I get that sometimes lifts break, shit happens. But friends informed me this was the SECOND TIME IN TWO WEEKS the lift had broken, as they’d also had to miss a gig on the previous occasion. Hell this isn’t even the first time I’VE had to miss a gig at this venue because of the broken lift (check out my main room review for that saga).

It’s OBVIOUS the lift at this venue isn’t fit for purpose anymore and needs replacing, but sadly I doubt the venue will do anything about it.

I hope this provides some insight into this particular room at O2 Institute Birmingham. 

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels) 

Birmingham O2 Institute Accessibility Review

Photo Credit: Alexandra Quinn. Image Description: Emma's view from the wheelchair seating of Birmingham O2 Institute main room. It shows looking over the stage from above whilst the band are playing

Back with another accessibility review. This time O2 Institute in Birmingham, the main room that is. I know I’ve reviewed O2 Institute 2 in Birmingham before. But the main room is a separate room within the same building, and I had a VERY different experience, so I thought it warranted a separate review. 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for other experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!) 

Ticket Buying 

The ticket buying process was actually the same as for Institute 2 in that I bought a standard ticket and emailed to have it changed to a wheelchair access ticket with carer. 

Travel 

Again, since it’s in the same building as Institute 2, the travel was the same. It was just a 20-minute walk. 

Experience & Seating 

Ahh the actual venue experience, here’s where things get inaccessible. I must start this section by saying that this is actually my experience over several visits and shows. I will be mentioning the bands I saw but only to separate the different experience. My accessibility experiences are in no way the fault of the bands mentioned so please don’t direct any negativity.  

Firstly, in mid-March of 2022, my friend asked if I wanted to see a band called White Lies. I’m always up for a random show so we went. Turned up to the show to be let in through the usual side door with ramp and then to a lift where an employee accompanied us up to the main room level and to our seats in the balcony area. About 10 or so minutes after we’d settled in, someone else from the venue (I think some kind of medic) came up and informed us that the lift had broken right after I’d used it. I panicked a fair bit but just decided we’d enjoy the show and come up with a plan afterwards to get me downstairs and home. 

Once the show was over, a plan was made. I transferred into the evacuation chair (something that I’d only ever used for fire evacuations before) and was then taken downstairs and into a room to wait for my wheelchair. The plan for that was for me to turn it off and disengage the motors and for a team of people to then carry the wheelchair downstairs. Obviously, this made me nervous as I have no other form of transportation and would be essentially losing my legs if my chair was dropped and damaged. But at the same time, I didn’t know any other way to get my chair downstairs. My chair is also quite heavy, so it took 6 people to carry it down. But thankfully I was eventually reunited with my chair and was able to check it wasn’t damaged before heading home. 

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of my lift woes at this venue. 

In mid-April 2022. I was able to find a last-minute ticket to The Reytons. My friend suggested the band were great so I double checked with the venue that they still had spaces in the wheelchair seating (I figured they’d mention if I couldn’t get into the gig because of lift issues). They said they had space and mentioned no other issues, so I took the last-minute ticket, had them convert it into a wheelchair space and carer and carried on about my day. However, issues began as soon as I turned up to the venue. A fellow wheelchair user and his two companions enquired whether it was The Reytons we were seeing, and when I confirmed it was, they informed me I wouldn’t be going as the lift was broken. I’m pretty sure it was just STILL broken from the White Lies gig where it had broken mid show. Having spoken to the venue staff, they confirmed the lift was broken. I asked if I could leave my wheelchair somewhere, use the evacuation chair to go up and down the stairs and then sit on a seat at the show. They said that wasn’t possible due to lack of staff for using the evacuation chair. The angels that they are, the two other attendees we’d met offered to carry me up there themselves so I could see the show, but that wasn’t allowed because health and safety (which I expected). With all options exhausted, I was left with nothing else but missing the show. 

I must say the band were brilliant about the situation and so apologetic, organising a meet and greet before the show, merch and tickets to another show on the tour (which was Camden’s Electric Ballroom for me). The venue also offered me a free ticket to any other show at the venue that I wanted (where they had available wheelchair spaces). But nothing was or is ever going to fix the heartbreak of watching everyone walk into a show you have a ticket for but can’t attend. And knowing the only reason you cannot go is because of accessibility. Of course, I know that lifts break and that is just part of using mechanical equipment for accessibility.  But the worst part was we didn’t even have to get to that point. The lift was very likely broken for a while, so they could have mentioned the broken lift when I called to enquire about wheelchair spaces earlier in the day. I didn’t HAVE to go through the gut wrench of watching everyone walk in like that. 

I was grateful to hear that the lift was back to being operational as of 29^th April 2022, and to be able to successfully attend two shows in that room (Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls in September and then Set It Off in November). 

I think the takeaway from this review is this: Accessibility isn’t just about a one-time investment of having the right accessibility equipment to make sure everyone can access a performance. It’s also about making sure that equipment is working and functional and communicating as soon as you can when the equipment is NOT working, especially if you know you have people attending who would need that equipment to get to the show. 

Please learn from this post and help me to avoid another gut-wrenching moment of realising I have to fight for even the simplest pleasure, such as attending a show. 

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels)

O2 Academy2 Birmingham Wheelchair Accessibility Review

Photo Credit: Lizzie Iles. Image Description: Emma and Lizzie's view from the access platform of Birmingham O2 Academy 2. Picture This are on stage mid set. There are blue, pink and purple lights illuminating the stage

Back again with another wheelchair accessibility review. This time for Picture This at the O2 Academy 2 in Birmingham. I do a review out for the O2 Academy in Birmingham but, whilst these 2 venues are in the same building, I see it that a different room equals a different venue which deserves its own separate accessibility review. 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!) 

Ticket Buying 

First up in the ticket buying process was to email the disabled bookings email for the venue to clarify exactly WHAT the accessible ticketing process was and also how we would go about buying 2 accessible seats at once (something I hadn’t done before) since my friend Lizzie who is also a wheelchair user would be joining me. They told us to just buy 2 standard tickets through Ticketmaster and then email them back with the order number and the tickets would be converted to accessible ones. Once that was done, we realised we had 2 accessible tickets and a carer ticket each (I hadn’t requested the carer tickets). We gave one of those tickets to a new friend from the Solo Armada (an online group for gig goers which I have mentioned before). Why did we give a ticket away to a stranger? Well because we had a spare and making gig friends is always cool. 

Travel 

Well, there was no real travel involved since neither Lizzie nor I live particularly far from the venue. So, it was simply a case of getting ready, then heading round to Lizzie’s for pre gig food and beers before heading to the train station to collect our new found gig friend and head to the gig. 

Experience & Seating 

When we arrived at the venue, it was very busy with a VERY long queue outside. I soon realised that was because there were 2 gigs that night in the same building since, like I mentioned in the intro, Academy and Academy 2 are in the same building. We were able to find a staff member who directed us to the queue for our gig. Once we got to the front of that queue were then pulled into the other queue for the Academy in order to use the lift to get up to venue level. We couldn’t all fit in the lift at once so Lizzie went up first and then our new mate and I followed afterwards. When we got up there, we realised that Lizzie was already situated so we all grabbed drinks from the bar and then settled into our seats (or what we thought were our seats). When we settled in, I remarked that the view looked familiar when I didn’t expect it to (I hadn’t visited Academy 2 before but I HAD visited Academy). I also noticed that the crowd below didn’t look how I expected a Picture This crowd to look (I’d seen the boys live before so, I kinda knew what crowds they drew). But I figured I was just thinking too much into it and carried on. Lizzie and our new mate then headed off to get merch as I’d told them what I wanted. They came back and said that there no Picture This merch at the merch stand and that was because… WE’D BEEN PUT IN THE WRONG GIG. Where we were sat felt so familiar to the Academy show I’d been to because we WERE SAT in Academy and Academy 2 was actually next door. With that figured out we were moved into Academy 2 where our gig actually was. This just meant going through one door out the side of Academy, then through the door straight onto the small access platform in Academy 2. When I say small, I mean there was space for about 8 people and it was quite cramped. I think there was space behind us too but I think that was reversing space for wheelchair users rather than more seating. 

I must say I really enjoyed the gig (although I knew it would be good as I’ve seen the boys live before ). I also really enjoyed getting to stand at the “barrier” for the whole gig (even if it was only the barrier to the access platform and I was only able to do it with Lizzie’s help) as standing at barrier isn’t something I’ve ever been able to experience, what with being a wheelchair user and often having to be on a separate platform.  

A couple of things I didn’t enjoy. Firstly, as wheelchair users we had no access to the merch stall which was on the main floor. This meant that my only way to get merch was to loudly yell our entire order down to the merch staff and then have them bring the order up to us and take payment with a mobile card machine. Which, like, they did, but it was a massive faff and made me feel very self-conscious yelling down in front of a full venue. I also couldn’t see a disabled toilet in the Academy 2 section which meant that, If I’d have needed to, I’d have had to leave the gig and go across into Academy to use that disabled toilet, and obviously I’d like to not have to leave the gig. But at the same time, I couldn’t see anywhere in the Academy 2 side of the building that would be able to house a disabled toilet. 

Once the gig was over, we went back through into Academy and then down in the lift and out. Whilst our friend headed home, Lizzie and I decided to try our luck at stage door. Once we’d asked around and figured out which was the correct stage door to be at., we pulled up and waited. We were lucky to get some photos with the boys and Ryan (the lead singer) was kind enough to sign the copy of his poetry book that Lizzie had bought me at the gig as an early birthday present. 

After making a quick detour into a hotel on the way home for a toilet break (we were waiting longer than I expected at stage door) we headed back to mine for tea and a post gig debrief. 

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels)

The Castle and Falcon Birmingham Accessibility Review

Photo Credit: Alexandra Quinn. Image Description: The bar in the concert room at Castle and Falcon. Above the bar is a sign (black text on a white background) which reads " LIVE AT THE CASTLE AND FALCON BEANS ON TOAST"

Back with ANOTHER venue access review. This time I headed to Castle and Falcon in Birmingham for a dance with Beans On Toast.

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!)

Ticket Buying

This was one of the easiest ticket buying processes I’ve ever had. I just bought a general admission ticket and then sent the venue a courtesy email to let them know I was a wheelchair user and would require an accessible entrance.

Travel

The travel was also easy as I just caught a bus from the end of my street and then took a 10–15-minute walk to the venue once the bus dropped me off. On the return, I took a bus back to the city centre, dropped my mate off at the train station and headed home.

Experience & Seating

When it came to the venue, I was a little sceptical as the website just said “100% wheelchair accessible, including accessible toilet”. Every disabled person can tell you of a time they’ve read that phrase on a website and then found the venue to not be as accessible as claimed. Thankfully, the statement was (as far as I could see) entirely true and the venue WAS entirely accessible. Whilst the main entrance has steps, there is a side entrance which is step free.

Once I had made my way in and found my new friends from Solo Armada, we hung out in the bar before heading into the gig room and to the front. I rarely get chance to be at the front because access platforms are usually towards the back of the room. But there was no specific access platform or access seating at this show, so I saw my chance to get a front row spot and took it! I also noticed that there was an accessible bathroom (with radar key access) which was well kept and very usable. You might not spot it immediately because I believe that side of the room (where the accessible toilet is) has a curtain across it during the actual gig, but the bathroom is still accessible if necessary.

With absolutely ZERO accessibility worries or issues, I could just chill out and dance, get a beer in between acts, and then head back to the dance floor. Once the gig was over, we just had to ask someone to reopen the accessible side entrance.

This has been a short review, but that’s just the way I like them. Because short and sweet means it was accessible. And Castle and Falcon was, without a doubt, the easiest and most accessible I’ve ever attended.

Before I leave you, I need to say something about the actual gig. It was just the most chilled vibe and felt like I could entirely be myself and enjoy the gig without worrying what people were thinking (something I often wonder about on the occasions that I’m with the general crowd at gigs and not on a separate platform). I was hoping to make another Beans on Toast gig (the upcoming show in Bilston) which shows the impact that the show made on me. However, metro works and general travel issues means no Bilston gig for me, curse you metro!

Castle and Falcon, thank you for an easy and accessible gig experience as a wheelchair user, just how it should be. I WILL be back!

Stay Invincible!

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels)

Birmingham O2 Institute2 Accessibility Review

Photo Credit: Dev Place Photos, Image Description: Photo of Holding Absence performing at the Scala in London, taken from the crowd. Frontman Lucas Woodland, a young man with blonde hair in a black t shirt and tattoos on his arms looks out over the audience with his left arms raised in a fist. The crowd is lit with warm green lights. Several fans are on shoulders, elevated above the audience singing along to the band’s song ‘Wilt’.

Back with another venue accessibility review! This time, O2 Institute2 in Birmingham. 

(Disclaimer: I’m aware “accessibility” means different things to different people, as I said before, these are MY views on my experience of accessibility at this venue as an electric wheelchair user, I obviously can’t speak for others experiences but feel free to add your experiences in the comments!) 

Ticket Buying 

Once again, I was not the one that actually bought these tickets because once again it was part of birthday plans from my best mate Dev (she bought us tickets to Bring Me The Horizon in Birmingham for my 2020 birthday present and this was part of the 2021 celebrations). What can I say? I have the best pals. It was a case of buying one general admission ticket and then emailing the venue with the order number to request a space on the accessible platform and a carer ticket. I was pretty sure they’d probably have my disability “proof” on file since I’m often at venues in the city and I believe the O2 venues are all linked in some way (although I could be wrong) but I had the proof ready to send if necessary. 

Travel 

Travel wise, there wasn’t actually much travelling to do once Dev was in Birmingham. Since I live fairly close to the venue, it was just a 30 minute or so walk into Digbeth, through some of the works going on in the area. 

Experience & Seating 

On arrival at the venue, it was clear there was already a pretty decent queue, probably since (as far as I’m aware) there were shows in all 3 of the Institute rooms that night, so the queue wasn’t just our gig. There was also fencing cutting off half the width of the pavement (those works I mentioned earlier). Once we were in the queue our tickets and COVID passes were checked. We were then directed past the main entrance to the accessible entrance which had a ramp. I did get a little stuck on this ramp and have to be helped in, but I’m not sure if it was an issue with my approach or the actual ramp/entrance. Once in the building, we walked along a short hallway and turned into the main foyer where everyone else was entering. The Institute2 is on the entrance level, so we headed through a door and into the venue. 

When we entered the venue, I noticed that both merch and bar were on the main floor, down a set of stairs from the access platform, so Dev headed down to grab merch and water. I also noticed that there was a metal barrier in front of us and closer than the actual permanent platform. Given that I wanted to be as close as possible, we decided to shift the metal barrier out of the way and keep drinks on the shelf at the back of the platform to prevent any possible spills on important electrical equipment. 

After a little while, a member of security came and pulled us back from the main barrier and told us we’d have to stay where we were told to be (about mid platform) or the metal barrier would go back in. They said it was something to do with not spilling drinks on the electrical equipment below us. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the intention but like, we already HAD a plan to have the metal barrier out of the way, be at the platform barrier AND keep the equipment unharmed? Needless to say, we moved back to the platform barrier later on and no one else said anything, so I think us moving the metal barrier was actually a non-issue. 

In terms of the actual show: As Everything Unfolds, Yours Truly and Holding Absence were all AMAZING. I’ll admit I hadn’t really heard any of these bands when Dev suggested the gig (I took the “it’s my birthday, it’s in Brum, fuck it why not?” approach) but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. So much so that, when Dev asked my thoughts on the show, my response was “fancy a road trip to Sheffield tomorrow [for the next show of tour]? 

We didn’t make it to Sheffield because they didn’t have any space left on the access platform, but (SPOILER) I did make it to another show on this tour and there WILL be another access review from this tour. 

Overall, FANTASTIC show and a fairly accessible venue (other than getting stuck on the way through the door and the minor barrier issue with security) .

Stay Invincible! 

Em (Invincible Woman On Wheels)